A Heineken ad demonstrates the power of communication that connects individuals with opposing political differences. The ad makes use of Gordon A. Allport’s Intergroup Contact Theory, positing that given the opportunity to openly communicate, people are equipped with an ability to understand and appreciate different points of views, ultimately reducing bias and prejudice.

Generalizing this theory to relationships, when couples engage in a nonthreatening conversation about hot button issues, they have a profoundly better chance of understanding their partner as well as feeling understood and accepted.

According to relationship experts, premarital counseling can significantly reduce the likelihood of divorce. As a result of unhealthy examples set by parents and other members of the family, as well as lack of relationship education and/or counseling, many couples do not have access to tools essential for a healthy relationship. Jenn Sinrich’s article in the Wedding Wire offers important topics to explore in premarital counseling.

Out Start Right, Stay Connected Seminars are for heterosexual and LGBTQ couples who are preparing to be married, newly married, committing to a long-term relationship. The Start Right,Stay Connected seminars also welcome those already in long-term relationships who are looking for a relationship boost. These seminars are opportunities for you and your partner to get the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and enhance your marriage or long-term partnership.

Judith Newman, journalist, has generated a review of self-help books on the topics of sex and relationships. The books she has reviewed include:

BECOMING CLITERATE: Why Orgasm Equality Matters — and How to Get It, written by Laurie Mintz

It Takes One to Tango: How I Rescued My Marriage With (Almost) No Help From My Spouse — and How You Can Too, written by Winifred M. Reilly

F*ck Love: One Shrink’s Sensible Advice for Finding a Lasting Relationship, written by Michael I. Bennett and Sarah Bennett

Sex That Works: An Intimate Guide to Awakening Your Erotic Life, written by Wendy Strgar

For individuals and couples who are facing challenges in their sexual lives, sex therapy can help. At Guttman & Pearl Associates Sex Therapy at Guttman and Pearl we strive to make sex therapy safe and non-judgmental for you to discuss your most difficult sexual problems and secrets. We offer both individual and couples relationship and sex therapy. We also offer multiple groups for women, “Sex Therapy for Women” and a “Seminar for Women with Low Desire”.

Ferris Jabr, a contributing writer for Scientific American, highlights numerous studies examining the brain in a restful state. These studies have consistently concluded the value of taking mental breaks and how downtime for the brain actually enhances productivity, memory, alertness and creativity. In our opinion, these mental breaks will also help you improve your relationship and be more present to your partner.

We are approaching the celebration of Chanukah, known as “The Festival of Lights”. Every night for eight days, we light another candle until on the eight night, we are lighting eight candles. In every temple/synagogue, there was and is a light which is always lit, the Eternal Light, signifying G-d’s presence. At the time of Chanukah (the Jews were fighting for religious freedom against the Greeks) there was only enough oil in the Eternal Light to last one day. Of course, there was a miracle and the light lasted for eight days until the Jews were able to bring more oil. A small number of Jews (in comparison to the large number of Greeks) were able to defeat the Greeks to win religious freedom, bringing light to the Jewish people again.

I started to think about the role of light in the Christmas story as well. Jesus is seen as bringing light, a savior of peace, into a dark world. The picture of the messianic light (the bright star) is seen on the night of Jesus’ birth. Christmas songs are filled with references to Jesus bringing light into the world. Today, with electricity, we see beautiful Christmas lights throughout our cities and neighborhoods.

Our country is in need of the season of light, both Chanukah & Christmas. These are the shortest days of the year, with the least amount of light. So, using your own tradition, think of the light you wish to bring into the your family and community at this time of year. Some great ways to bring in light to your family and friends are being more present, truly listening, hugging, appreciating and helping them. In your community, you can give time or money to those less fortunate than you, lend a helping hand, pray for those who are ill, or say a kind word to someone in the grocery store. In the world, we can pray for peace and stand up for our beliefs.